Newport News Education Association

VEA’s early enrollment special is running now through August 31. Prospective members can join NNEA now and enjoy most of the benefits of membership without paying until Sept.1, when the rest of the membership benefits will kick in.
Please click here to view an Early Enrollment flyer that can be shared with prospective members.
Here is the link to join NNEA/VEA.
Frequently Asked Questions about VEA Early Enrollment
What is Early Enrollment?
The Early Enrollment campaign is a way for locals to continue growing membership and build power throughout the full school year. Between April 1- August 31, potential members can join without paying dues until the start of the new school year (September 2026). This means that potential members get to experience the transformational impact of being a part of their union for no immediate cost. In addition to the power of their union and a seat at the table, members who join during the early enrollment period also receive liability coverage, member rights assistance, almost all VEA and NEA member benefits. Early enrollees will receive access to the no-cost NEA Complementary Life Insurance, NEA Introductory Life Insurance, NEA Student Debt Navigator, NEA Mental Health Program, and VEA legal services at the beginning of the 2026-27 school year. Together, we are fighting for the schools our students need and the workplaces we deserve. We cannot demand big changes that will fix our schools alone, but as a union we have the power to change things for the better. We are a part of a movement, and the more people who join this fight together, the stronger we are.
Benefits and Dates

• Early Enrollment runs April 1 through August 31.
• Early Enrollee members pay no dues until September, so they will not show up on local invoices until September.
• Early Enrollee memberships are fully activated on September 1, 2026, or the first day of the 26-27 school year (whichever comes first).
• Early enrollees are immediately eligible for all NEA member benefits except those indicated below, which become active on September 1: No-cost NEA Complimentary Life Insurance, NEA Introductory Life Insurance, NEA Student Debt Navigator, NEA Mental Health Program, and VEA legal services.
  Why Early Enrollment?
  The Early Enrollment campaign invites potential members to experience the transformative impact of being a part of the union for no immediate cost. Potential members can join their union throughout the spring and summer without paying dues until September!
  When is Early Enrollment?
  From April 1st to August 31st, educators can join the union without paying dues until the new school year starts. What member benefits do Early Enrollees receive? In addition to the power of their union and a seat at the table, members who join during the early enrollment period also receive liability coverage, member rights assistance, almost all VEA and NEA member benefits.
  Are there any member benefits Early Enrollees do not receive?
  Early enrollees will receive access to the no-cost NEA Complementary Life Insurance, NEA Introductory Lide Insurance, NEA Student Debt Navigator, NEA Mental Health Program, and VEA legal services at the beginning of the 2026-27 school year.
  Who can participate?
  Any potential member who has NOT already joined during Early Enrollment in the past!
  What is Autopay and why is it the only option to pay dues?
  Autopay is an alternative way for members to pay dues using EFT (electronic funds transfer from a bank account) or credit card instead of through dues deduction. The recommended way to pay dues through autopay is through EFT, which is a secure way to pay that closely mirrors the same schedule as payroll deduction. Across the nation public sector unions are under attack, and governments have either threatened to or successfully eliminated dues deduction. Autopay is a way for you to keep your power in the face of these threats. For more information, see the Autopay section of this toolkit!
  Why should people join early if they don’t get access to all the member benefits right away?
  Being a member of VEA is about more than having access to NEA Member Benefits; it’s about being part of a movement that aims to strengthen the voices of ALL educators in Virginia.